CHICAGO, April 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mayor Rahm
Emanuel, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin,
the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), and Westfield, joined by
airport and airline partners, today unveiled the new International
Terminal 5 (T5) at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, marking
the completion of a $26 million
transformation by Westfield featuring 24 new luxury retail and
dining destinations – including 11 local Chicago brands – a
redesigned TSA checkpoint, and cutting-edge design.
The redevelopment is the first since the terminal's construction
in 1993. A key feature of the new Terminal 5 is a re-engineered
layout that enhances the traveler experience. Previously, 95
percent of the options were located pre-security, making it
difficult for passengers to access food and retail while waiting
for flights. Of the 24 new dining and retail outlets, nine are
airport "firsts" and 17 are Chicago airport debuts.
"The new International Terminal 5 revolutionizes the traveler
experience and will provide vital economic opportunity for years to
come," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
"With world-class shopping, dining and design, Terminal 5 reflects
our City's distinct style and spirit, placing Chicago at the center of the global tourism
conversation as we work together to reach 55 million visitors
annually by 2020."
"As the gateway for international travelers entering
Chicago, the new Terminal 5 will
deliver a first class experience that showcases the city's vibrant,
modern identity," said U.S. Senator Dick
Durbin. "The revamped terminal is the latest example
of Mayor Emanuel's vision and steadfast commitment to strengthening
Chicago's position as a global
city and providing international business and leisure travelers
with the kind of positive experience that will make them eager to
return. The federal government has long recognized O'Hare as a
major economic engine, not just for Chicago, but for the entire region – and
invested accordingly. That investment will pay dividends with this
innovative new terminal."
In 2013, while amid construction and with only half the program
complete, Westfield achieved the terminal's highest ever Sales Per
Enplanement, reaching $18.99 with
$32 million in annual sales. The
developer is on target to double 2011 sales to over $50 million in the first stabilized year after
redevelopment completes. The redevelopment has created 184 new
dining and retail jobs, and growth is on path to reach a total of
410 jobs, up 230 since the start of construction in July 2012.
"The new International Terminal 5 passenger experience will help
fulfill Mayor Emanuel's vision to provide a world-class experience
for millions of visitors from around the globe who travel through
O'Hare International Airport as their first and last impression of
Chicago," said Rosemarie S. Andolino, Commissioner, Chicago
Department of Aviation. "This is an absolute win for O'Hare
travelers, for Chicago's
hospitality, travel and tourism industry, for our airline partners,
and for many others who benefit from the incredible job creation
and economic activity our airports provide."
"The new International Terminal 5 – an enormous undertaking –
proves that by working together, we can accomplish great things,"
said Michael R. Zalewski, Chairman,
Chicago City Council Aviation Committee and Alderman serving the
23rd Ward. "With record job numbers, increased revenue
and a completely transformed passenger experience, O'Hare, the
city, travelers, and our citizens will realize benefits from the
new Terminal 5 for years to come."
"Westfield has tapped into its global resources to create an
iconic experience at the new International Terminal 5," said
Greg Miles, Chief Operating Officer
of Westfield Group. "Terminal 5 is only the beginning as Westfield
is committed to continuing to work with Mayor Emanuel to drive
tourism, create jobs and spur economic development in this great
city."
The renovated terminal interior – including a new Dining Lounge
with performance kitchens – offers a redesigned, more efficient TSA
checkpoint and features new first-class amenities such as:
luxury restrooms; dynamic lounge style seating with outlets and USB
ports to charge devices; and new lighting, signage, and fixtures
which incorporate sustainable and recycled materials. Westfield's
design and construction partners at Terminal 5 are McHugh/Ornelas
JV, Epstein and Thirst. The redevelopment created more than 180
construction jobs.
Dining Collection Gives Travelers a Taste of
Chicago
With a lineup composed entirely of local chefs and
restaurateurs, Westfield's new dining collection features nine
sophisticated destinations for a traveler-friendly mix of healthy
and fresh sit-down, casual and grab-and-go choices. Featuring five
unique concepts operated by Areas RHHG ORD, LLC, the new dining
collection marks Chicago-based
restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises' (LEYE) first
entry into an airport. Today, Terminal 5 travelers can:
- Feast on eclectic American fare and fresh cocktails at LEYE's
Hub 51;
- Journey to Italy at
Tocco; a strikingly modern eatery from local chef and
restaurateur Bruno Abate featuring
Neapolitan-style pizza, pasta and more;
- Experience Top Chef Master Rick Bayless' Tortas Frontera – named Bon Appetit's
"best airport restaurant in America"– featuring Mexican cuisine
made with ingredients from local purveyors;
- Dine on signature hot Asian buns from LEYE's Wow
Bao;
- Explore the diverse flavors of China and Thailand at LEYE's Big Bowl;
- Indulge in world-famous burgers, hand-dipped shakes and more at
LEYE's R.J. Grunts Burger & Fries;
- Delight in fresh, flavorful and delicious Mediterranean cuisine
with modern flair at Urban
Olive, a debut concept from LEYE;
- Savor freshly roasted coffee from around the world at Kofe
powered by Intelligentsia, a debut concept from the
award-winning Chicago-based
roaster and retailer; and
- Grab a bite at The Goddess and Grocer, Chicago's gourmet deli featuring fresh salads,
sandwiches, flatbreads and a selection of upscale on-the-go snacks
by local merchants.
Retail Collection: International Luxury Brands and
Local Boutiques
A central element of the new retail
collection is the new 10,000-square-foot flagship duty-free store,
the first of its kind in North
America, with all departing travelers flowing through the
European-style design after crossing the new TSA checkpoint.
Operated by Dufry, the duty-free collection links Terminal 5 to
Chicago's famous Magnificent Mile
shopping district with Luxury Boutique Row – four stand-alone
boutiques including Salvatore
Ferragamo and Luxury Watches, with Michael
Kors and Emporio Armaniopening this year. The retail
collection continues with:
- Locally owned and operated Vosges Haut-Chocolat, where
travelers are invited to explore the world of exotic chocolate
bars, truffles, toffees and more;
- XpresSpa, Chicago's
first airport spa, providing massage, nail and facial services and
a retail selection of locally produced beauty and travel
products;
- Iconic Swiss watchmaker Swatch, offering its colorful
timepieces and jewelry;
- I Love Chicago, capturing the character and passion of
the city with original artwork, apothecary, unique accessories and
more produced by local artisans; and
- Hudson, the flagship travel essentials concept operated
by Hudson Group.
Terminal 5 Partnerships
Westfield's operator
partnerships include: Areas RHHG ORD, LLC, Airport
Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)
partner: Robinson Hill;
Brookstone; Dufry, ACDBE partners: Blue Daring; RGMA; Hudson
Group, ACDBE partners: BTII, Inc., CMC Enterprises LLC; I
Love, Inc.; Midway Restaurant Development Ltd.; Swatch; Vosges
Haut-Chocolat; and XpresSpa.
Visit www.chicagoT5.com to learn more.
About The Westfield Group
As part of its global
portfolio, The Westfield Group (ASX Code: WDC) designs, develops,
owns, manages and leases award-winning shopping venues in landmark
cities around the world. Among the company's iconic retail
destinations are Westfield London
and Westfield Stratford City in the U.K.; Westfield Bondi Junction,
Sydney, Australia; Westfield San
Francisco Centre; Westfield Century City in Los Angeles; and Westfield Sydney. Upcoming world-class retail
icons include Westfield World Trade Center, opening in 2015, and
Westfield Milan in Italy.
Transforming the customer experience in airports across the
U.S., Westfield creates cutting-edge environments celebrated for
capturing each city's distinct style and spirit through innovative
design, sophisticated dining, luxury retail and world-class
amenities. Current developments include JFK, LAX,
Newark, Houston George Bush Intercontinental, Boston
Logan, Orlando, Miami and
Chicago O'Hare airports.
Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpq6tBzpmVI
SOURCE Westfield
